Elgin History Museum

Echoes of Elgin: Timeless Tales from the Elgin History Museum

History EN ↓ 100 episodes

A captivating podcast dedicated to unveiling the rich and diverse history of Elgin, Illinois. Each episode brings to life fascinating stories and lesser-known anecdotes from Elgin’s past. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about local heritage, this podcast offers an immersive journey into the events, people, and places that have shaped Elgin over the years.

Author

Elgin History Museum

Category

History

Podcast website

EchoesofElgin.podbean.com

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

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Episodes

The good old days of "no school" 10.07.2026

An echo from February 20, 2000 tells of several times Elgin school kids saw an unexpected day off of classes, including the story of T.A. Larsen. 

Iroquois Theater fire burned into Elgin's memory 07.07.2026

Chicago's Iroquois Theater burned on December 30, 1903.  Among those in the audience were several Elginites.  An echo from February 13, 2000 gives the details.

A grim view of 19th century anxieties 03.07.2026

Wait.  You're not afraid of rabid dogs, runaway horses and coal gas asphyxiation?  Well, aren't you modern.  This echo from June 24, 2002 probably won't make you anxious at all.

Just what time was it really in The City to Watch? 30.06.2026

Daylight Savings Time is the star (or villain) of this echo from January 20, 2003.

Jungle king becomes lord of Lords Park 26.06.2026

From November 1964 to May 1968 there was an undisputed king of Lords Park.  Learn about Elgin's own lion in this echo from June 19, 2003.

Exploring the Old West Side 23.06.2026

Let's hear it for the West Side!  Lots of interesting info on west side gems in this echo from March 22, 2004.

Elgin Watch's Fair envoy had the time of her life 19.06.2026

Tune in to this echo from May 14, 1989 to hear about Arlene Warner's awesome week.

Elgin's steel strings played a sweet song 16.06.2026

When you think Elgin....you should think Hawaiian Guitar Band champs! Let this echo from April 13, 1986 prove it.

Weddings: from the most bizarre to somewhat blissful 12.06.2026

June is a traditional month for weddings.  This echo from June 17, 2002 describes some of Elgin's more unique weddings and marriages.

Grace Marsh Topping, early civic leader in Elgin 09.06.2026

Grace Marsh Topping had an abundant life, filled with the joys of service to her church and community.  Learn more in an echo from May 18, 1986.

Academy schooled Elgin elite 05.06.2026

You have 2 easy ways to learn about the old Elgin Academy, this echo from March 19, 1989 or the exhibit at the Elgin History Museum.

Elgin's German heritage traces back to 1848 02.06.2026

The Germans were one of Elgin's earliest Immigrant groups.  Pour yourself an Adler Brau and listen to this echo from October 2, 1983.

Rags to riches: Arthur Leath 29.05.2026

Leath Furniture was once a staple Midwestern retailer, and it all began here in 1903.  Pull up a recliner (only $4.95 at Leath in 1914) and learn more from this October 14, 1984 echo.

Early progress was once "a gift of the Fox" 26.05.2026

The Fox River plays a key role of Elgin's story.  Tune into this echo from December 28, 1981 to hear about some of the early steamships on the Fox.

Elgin's first lighting system was towering site 22.05.2026

November 24, 1883 was a big day in Elgin.  Bask in the electric glow of this echo from December 11, 1983.  

Elgin once kept humming to the tune of a whistle 19.05.2026

What would be called a nuisance today was once a treasured community tradition.  This echo chimes in from February 8, 1987.

Commemorative coin noted Elgin centennial 15.05.2026

The stories of the 1936 Elgin half-dollar coin and our Pioneer Memorial are told in this echo from October 12, 1986.

Few traces remain of Elgin's once-busy gravel business 12.05.2026

Dig into this echo from November 29, 1998 to hear more about how gravel was once a common Elgin export.

John Newcomb: Elgin's record keeper 08.05.2026

Local genealogists owe a hearty "Thank You" to John Newcomb.  Learn why in an echo from November 6, 1988.

Road Races spawned junior coasters 05.05.2026

Motorless racers and pushmobiles were all the rage in Elgin in 1910-1915.  This echo from August 17, 1986 tells the tale.

Past happenings from the month of May 01.05.2026

In case you missed the news items from the month of May 1888, 1913, 1938, 1963 and 1978...this echo from May 1, 1988 will catch you up.

Elgin racetracks drew horse lovers from near and far 28.04.2026

Horse racing in Elgin?  You bet!  Odds are, you will enjoy this echo from November 13, 1983.

Three Elgin marathons 24.04.2026

If running for 26 miles does not interest you, maybe you will like the other kinds of marathons described in this echo from November 25, 1984.

Elginites sighted UFO in 1897, twice 21.04.2026

A mysterious airship was sighted over Elgin in 1897, just as predicted.  E.C. "Mike" Alft reports the facts in this echo from September 25, 1983.

Swell of supermarkets made for healthy pickings 17.04.2026

Did you eat yet?  Tune into this echo from August 19, 2002 to see if your favorite supermarket, past or present, is mentioned in this list of Elgin's best.

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